The Aeromall authority at the Pune Airport has now fully switched to a 100 per cent PIN-based system for booking Ola and Uber cabs with which the ‘zero waiting time’ system has come into play.
Under this system, cab drivers will not be able to reject rides and will not be aware of the drop-off location until informed by the passenger.
In collaboration with the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Aeromall has introduced a PIN-based system in the cab parking area, replacing the former system that allowed drivers to access passengers’ destinations in advance through the app. Launched initially in July as an optional feature, the system provided both passengers and drivers the option to use it. However, it is now compulsory for drivers to accept bookings exclusively through this new system.
How does the system work?
Vice President of Aeromall, Y S Rajput, said that under the new process a four-digit PIN will match the passengers with the first available cab at the pick-up point. “This transition ensures smoother operations by reducing coordination delays and improving the flow of cabs,” he added.
“However, some drivers are hesitant to follow the new mandatory process since they no longer have the right to accept or reject rides. We have discussed this with them, and they have agreed to treat it as an experiment,” he said.
Rajput added that drivers frequently declined rides upon discovering the passenger’s destination, especially if it was close to the airport, making it less profitable. He noted that drivers typically prefer longer rides, as drop-off locations near the airport tend to yield lower earnings.
“One of the key benefits for passengers is that they no longer face ride rejections or have to wait for long, as the cab first in queue will cater to the passenger who comes first,” he further said.
Rajput explained that they have organised the floors by cab providers to enhance efficiency and boost driver participation. Rajput said that in order to raise the acceptance rate among passengers, which has remained around 30 per cent since the initial phase, they have assigned Uber to the first floor and Ola to the second.
“We are actively monitoring the system and will make ongoing adjustments based on operational feedback. This feedback loop is crucial for achieving long-term enhancements in the experiences of both passengers and drivers,” he emphasised.